Megaworld Hotels & Resorts Lands Major Recognitions in Two Prestigious Hospitality Awards

 

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR), the Philippines’ largest homegrown hospitality chain, continues to make remarkable strides in the Philippine hospitality industry as it took home the 11th Virtus Awards and the 28th Mabuhay Awards, two of the country’s most prestigious award-giving bodies. These recognitions highlighted not only MHR’s creativity and talent pool, but also its unwavering commitment to purpose-driven leadership, inclusivity, and Filipino hospitality.

 

Ms. Rose Libongco (Virtus Award Chair), Ms. Loleth So (HSMA President), Ms. Cielo Reboredo (Director for Public Relations),  Ms. Jennylyn Santillan (Director of Programs) and Mr. Jos Ortega (Virtus Juror) joined the MHR executives Ms. Cleofe Albiso (Managing Director), Mr. Art Boncato (Group General Manager), Ms. Claire Bernabe (Head of Sales and Strategic Partnership), Mr. Avinash Menon (Cluster General Manager) and Mr. Sonny Alvaro (Cluster General Manager)

Ms. Cleofe C. Albiso, Managing Director of MHR, said “These recognitions are a humbling reminder of what truly drives Megaworld Hotels & Resorts—our people. Their love for their work and their passion continues to elevate our service and our culture. Therefore, behind every marketing campaign and every milestone is a team that pours genuine heart, creativity, and purpose into their craft.  And when love becomes part of one’s purpose, it radiates authentically — guests feel it, colleagues feel it, and the entire organization grows because of it.” 

At the 11th Virtus Awards, held last October 16 at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila in Paranaque (with the theme “Paths and Bridges: Leading the Way and Building Continuity”), MHR’s “100% Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment” marketing campaign was hailed as the Marketing Campaign of the Year, besting 12 other hotel groups nationwide, making it a second consecutive win for the group after “Ang Sampaguita” received the same award last October 10, 2024.

The judges described the campaign as “authentic, inclusive, and commercially impactful — a purpose-driven innovation that addressed an untapped market with meaningful results.” They further commended MHR for demonstrating leadership with sincerity, cultural respect, and a strong sense of national purpose while achieving tangible business outcomes.

 

All of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts properties are recognized by DOT as Muslim-friendly

This pioneering initiative positioned MHR as the Philippines’ first Muslim-Friendly Hotel Chain, with all of its properties recognized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as Muslim-friendly accommodation establishments. It also gained international acclaim at the Halal in Travel Awards in Singapore last June 12, 2025, where CrescentRating, a global authority on halal-friendly travel, honored MHR with the “Muslim-Friendly Hotel Chain” award for elevating the country’s readiness to welcome Muslim travelers.

 

L-R: Mr. Avinash Menon (Cluster General Manager for Visayas of MHR), Ms. Rowena Samonte (General Manager of Twin Lakes Hotel), Ms. Divine delos Reyes (Head of People Management and Development of MHR), Ms. Hanna Kristina Tiongson (PMD Manager of Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown), Ms. Maria Bianca Villanueva (Accounts Payable Associate of Twin Lakes Hotel), Ms. Cleofe Albiso (Managing Director of MHR), Mr. Art Boncato, Jr. (Group General Manager of MHR), and Mr. Josef Chiongbian (General Manager of Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown)

Moreover, last September 20, 2025, at Okada Manila, MHR received the Tourism Industry Excellence Award, during the DOT’s inaugural Philippine Tourism Excellence Award, for its efforts in promoting Muslim inclusivity and the Filipinization of hospitality through its signature brand of service - the Sampaguita. The awards night also showcased the strength of MHR’s talent pool, with 13 associates from various properties emerging as national finalists in the categories of Outstanding Sales and Marketing Associate, Manager, and Leader. 

MHR also took home two major awards at the 28th Mabuhay Awards, widely regarded as the “Oscars of Philippine Hospitality,” held last November 14, 2025 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The event coincided with the 50^th anniversary of the Association of Human Resources Managers (AHRM) and carried the theme “Galing ng Pilipino, Ginto ng Buong Mundo,” honoring the world-class service of Filipino hospitality professionals. 

Ms. Maria Bianca Villanueva, Accounts Payable Associate of Twin Lakes Hotel, earned the Heart of the House Award in recognition of her dedication and excellence in back-of-house operations. Meanwhile, Ms. Hanna Kristina Tiongson, People Management & Development Manager of Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, was named HR Leader of the Year, marking another back-to-back victory for MHR following the win of Ms. Trixie Tan (Corporate Assistant Director of People Management and Development) last November 4, 2024. 

MHR sent a strong lineup of 30 nominees for the Mabuhay Awards. Their triumphs reflect the company’s Circle of Happiness philosophy — a culture anchored on love for God, self, family, work, and country. This framework continues to guide MHR’s people toward finding joy and meaning in their daily work, where passion for service meets purpose and authenticity. 

 

Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown celebrating the Great Place to Work certification of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts for third consecutive year

This culture of care and empowerment is strengthened by MHR’s Great Place to Work certification, which it has proudly achieved for three consecutive years. With 90% of employees affirming that MHR is a great place to work and an 87% Trust Index Score reflecting strong confidence in its leadership, the company continues to nurture an environment where innovation, inclusion, and excellence thrives.  MHR’s triumphs in both Virtus and Mabuhay Awards cements its standing as a trailblazer in Philippine hospitality — one that bridges commercial success with cultural empathy, and strategy with heart. 

MHR was also awarded the prestigious title as the Philippines’ Leading Hotel Group during the World Travel Awards (WTA) Awards last September 4, 2024 in Manila. This accolade marks a significant milestone for MHR, a rapidly growing homegrown hotel chain renowned for its heartfelt service and dedication to showcasing Filipino pride. 

Megaworld Hotels and Resorts:  Global One Hotel Group Inc., 22/F, Alliance Global Tower, 36th Street corner 11th Avenue, Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634. E-mail: salesinquiry@megaworldhotels.com.  Website: www.megaworldhotels.com.